Have you ever walked out on a job? Back in the early days of my career, I did. It was around 6 pm on a Friday, and my boss had just asked me to spend an extra three hours in the office with zero advance notice. This had been happening for months, and in that moment I finally reached my breaking point.
Related: Is It Time To Quit Your Job?
"I'm done," I said (although my heart was thumping so hard it's hard to know for sure). "You can do your own overtime."
And I was out!
The exhilaration of quitting lasted right up until the elevator hit ground floor, when I suddenly remembered that I had zero job prospects on the horizon, and far too many bills that needed paying.
Don't make the same mistake I did!
No matter how devalued and aggravated you feel at your current job, it is critical to plan your exit strategically. Because the best revenge isn't quitting; it's landing a far better job.